Hunting turkeys in a cold front tend to be quieter and almost call shy. With the colder weather they will be in bigger flocks instead of lone Toms, so it will be in your best interest to get as close to the roost as possible.
What temperature is best for turkey hunting?
60-69 degrees Fahrenheit
Because turkeys are most active during times of mild weather, it’s been estimated that they are the most vocal in temperatures of 60-69 degrees Fahrenheit. Much like humans, too hot or too cold and their activity slows down.
What’s the best time to go turkey hunting?
The hunters who state that hunting early mornings are more effective base their arguments on getting within close range while a gobbler is still on the roost and present when they fly down. These hunters claim arriving early and getting close eliminates time for other hens to show up and take their gobbler away.
What is the lowest temperature a turkey can survive?
Turkeys are overall hardy animals, meaning they are able to withstand low temperatures (below 20°F) for periods of time.
- Keep their coop dry and clean.
- Ensure the coop is well ventilated.
- Add extra bedding during colder temperatures.
Will turkeys move in cold weather?
Because turkeys are most active during times of mild weather, too hot or too cold weather slows their activity. It has been estimated that turkeys are most vocal in temperatures between 60 and 69 degrees fahrenheit. On a hot day, the birds are still out there, but might be biding their time in shaded cover.
Where do turkeys go in cold weather?
On cold windy days we have found it best to key in on the mast producing tree areas in the timber and the bottom of a ravine. Turkeys like these areas because they will be sheltered from the wind and will be searching for nuts beneath the leaves on the frozen ground.
How late should you turkey hunt in the morning?
Blocking it off into early morning (before 7), mid morning (7 to 9), and late morning (9 to noon). To my surprise after years of assuming that early morning was the time, it turns out that mid morning made up the vast majority of my kills.
What time of day are most turkeys killed?
Time of Day — Many hunters are in the woods before dawn, and most turkeys are killed before 8 a.m. However, turkey hunting after 8 a.m. can be rewarding.
How far can you hear a turkey gobble in the woods?
As a general rule a gobble made in a tree can be heard twice as far as one made on the ground. That same “twice-as-far” rule applies to all other turkey sounds.
Why won’t my turkey reaches 165?
Cooking at too high of a temperature.
Yuck! It’s best to start roasting the bird at 475-500 degrees for the first 20-30 minutes and then reduce the heat to 400 degrees until the bird reaches 165 degrees.
Does turkey really need to be 165?
At What Temperature is Turkey Safe To Eat? Poultry products, including turkey, should be cooked to at least 165 degrees. This is the best way to be sure that any lingering bacteria have been destroyed by the heat.
Do turkeys do well in the winter?
By Don Schrider – Turkeys are remarkably hardy birds. By the time turkeys reach maturity, they are very easy to care for, and are capable of surviving winter weather in great shape.
How do you hunt turkey in bad weather?
Hunt open fields, like pastures and short alfalfa. In wet weather, turkeys would rather walk in short vegetation so that their feathers won’t drag through sodden grass and underbrush. They prefer open spaces where they can see predators that might otherwise slip up on them undetected in the wet woods.
How does snow affect turkey hunting?
I have hunted turkeys in snow storms in New York and in Wyoming, but really turkey hunting in the snow isn’t too much different from hunting spring turkeys anywhere in the country. The birds just may be a little less vocal and more sluggish in the snow.
What do wild turkeys like to eat in the winter?
acorns
The largest part of their diet is usually nuts, especially acorns, beechnuts, and hickory nuts. In most winters, there are ample supplies of nuts on the forest floor. Turkeys are vulnerable when deep snow stays on the ground for weeks at a time and covers their favorite feeding places.
Are windy days bad for turkey hunting?
High winds are the bane of most turkey hunters, but especially in areas you hunt long enough, bird behavior becomes more predictable during big breeze events. The weather conditions will concentrate birds into smaller locations, making them at times easier to hunt if you know where to look.
Are windy days good for turkey hunting?
A Few Hunting Benefits to Extra Windy Days
Since bushes are swaying and branches blowing, it’s also a bit harder for a turkey to see small movements on your part. That can allow you to move in close or to change positions more easily if your original calling spot isn’t just right.
Should I turkey hunt in the rain?
They do not gobble much during rainy mornings, but you can still try for your luck. In the event of heavy rains, the turkeys may go into hiding. They are not excellent conditions for turkey hunting since mobility and visibility are hindered.
What to do when turkeys stop gobbling?
When the gobbler quits gobbling, look at your watch, and force yourself to stay on your stand. Don’t move around for an hour after the bird has quit gobbling. If you’ll use this strategy, you’ll see more turkeys, and you’ll take more turkeys.
How often should you call when turkey hunting?
every 15 minutes
Push button call
But don’t call too often – less is more. Calling every 15 minutes or so and starting off quieter and then getting more aggressive/louder as the day goes on are good rules of thumb. If you hear a hen, try to mimic her exact vocalizations.
Why do gobblers go silent?
In short, the theory goes, we have killed the noisier, more eager toms, leaving the craftier, quieter ones to pass on their genes. That theory sounds good around the campfire, but there is no real evidence or studies to support it, says Ken Duren, wild turkey biologist for the Ohio Division of Wildlife.